The Enlightened Nerd is a column designed to enlighten the inner nerd in all of us through local whimsical and intellectual events, people, and places. Know a nerdy person, event, place, or thing in Vancouver? Send it in here or tweet it to @karolinathecat (#theenlightenednerd)!
By Philip Moussavi
Most people can agree that gems and minerals are beautiful. Their unique colour, faint sparkle, and jagged or silky smooth texture combine to make them ethereal and otherworldly. They are among the finer things in life like orchids, cedar trees, sand dollars and butterflies.
This weekend Below BC lines up with Circum-Arctic Gallery for the second Vancouver Gem and Mineral Show. Below BC, a non-profit society that focuses on mixing education with different forms of media to elevate Earth Sciences, has been invited by Circum-Arctic Gallery as a partner to promote this event. I was sad to miss their first Vancouver show last summer, but luckily, the event has been made into a bi-annual gem-and-mineral fest. This show features everything rock related from handmade jewelry, engraved art, unique beads, rare fossils, as well as interactive lectures and demos. One of their booths will include a gallium workstation where folks can shape and play with the malleable metal using mere body temperature! Last year’s show included crystal growing, sand core drilling, map-making, and lots of specimens from all over the world to experience.
Below BC is currently trying to reach their fundraising goal so that they can open an accessible online museum of the minerals and fossils British Columbia has to offer. This interactive media gallery will feature photos of geological treasures taken with a 3D camera so that the viewer can view the image from all angles as if they were holding the sample in their hand. Fundraising proceeds will also go to school programs, public events, and current research projects like the Kitsilano Beach fossil forest.
By Philip Moussavi
Why not try something unusual, low-key and educational this weekend? Whether you’re an avid gem and mineral collector, a geologist or student, or looking for a quirky date idea or rainy day activity, the show is sure to have something pretty cool for everyone!
The Vancouver Gem and Mineral Show will take place at the PNE Forum on Friday March 11th 12-8PM, Saturday March 12th 10-6PM and Sunday March 13th 10-5PM. Tickets are $7.35 for general admission and $5.25 for seniors and students. One ticket gives you access for all three days. 100% of proceeds of tickets bought online go to Below BC to advance future projects.
